Word parts
What it means
A drug, usually inhaled, that widens the bronchi and bronchioles. Short-acting beta-2 agonists such as albuterol are rescue drugs that work within minutes. Long-acting beta-2 agonists such as salmeterol and anticholinergics such as ipratropium and tiotropium are used every day for control in asthmaAZ-muhA long-term lung disease in which the airways become inflamed and narrow from time to time.Full entry and COPDsee-oh-pee-dee (said as letters)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs.chronic long-lastingobstructive blockingpulmon/o lung-ary relating toFull entry . Theophylline is an older oral bronchodilator.
For the nurse
Teach correct inhaler use and when to use a rescue drug. Beta-2 agonists can cause a fast heart rate, shakiness and nervousness. When a bronchodilator and an inhaled steroid are both due, give the bronchodilator first so the airways open.
At a glance
| Drug class | bronchodilator |
|---|---|
| Spanish | broncodilatador |
| Also written | bronchodilators |
Related terms
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs.
asthma
A long-term lung disease in which the airways become inflamed and narrow from time to time.
bronch/o
A word root that means the bronchi, the large airways of the lungs.
inhaler
A hand-held device that delivers a measured dose of drug for a person to breathe into the lungs.
nebulizer
A machine that turns liquid drug into a fine mist that a person breathes in through a mouthpiece or mask.